Mango Mela in Mysuru in June

Last year’s mela was a big hit and the participating growers had a difficult time meeting the demand.

In the wake of the Nipah virus scare, plans are afoot to organise a Mango Mela where growers will be able to interact directly with consumers with the best, naturally ripened and organic produce.

This year’s mela is planned from June 1 to 5 at Curzon Park, and the Department of Horticulture has already had talks with fruit growers from the district on the amount of fruits expected to be brought to the mela.

The best varieties of the fruit, including the export variety Alphonso, will be available under one roof. The mela offers a platform for making naturally ripened mangoes available at the best prices. Only naturally-ripened mango varieties are permitted at the mela. Such mangoes are safe for consumption, an organiser said. Last year’s mela was a big hit and the participating growers had a difficult time meeting the demands of consumers.

Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture G.D. Dinesh Kumar said growers themselves have decided to hold the mela from June 1.

Mango is grown in over 4,126 hectares in Mysuru district. Though not a major mango-growing district, Mysuru produces over 40,000 tonnes of the fruit annually, with Hunsur topping with around 17,000 tonnes.

Growers from other mango-growing districts are welcome to participate in the mela, but the local growers will get priority in allotment of stalls.

Long season

Horticulture experts say the season is expected to be long because of late flowering this year and therefore, mango varieties like Neelam and Tothapuri can be expected till July-August.

The recent rains in the district may benefit the crop as because of the moisture, the size of the fruit could be better. “At this time, fruits would have reached a stage where additional moisture will help in reaping quality fruits. But in case of strong winds, the fruits may fall, resulting in losses for growers,” Mr. Kumar said.

A yield of 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh tonnes of mango is expected this year. In “on” mango seasons, about eight lakh tonnes is harvested. The current season was first described first as “off year” as the previous season had yielded a bumper crop, but it was declared an “on year” after seeing the crop conditions and widespread flowering. Ultimately though, the season was declared an off year afterall as production dropped.

But Mr. Kumar said the season appears good as far as Mysuru is concerned as growers are seeing a reasonably good yield.

Workshop

The Department of Horticulture will bring mango growers face to face with officials from the Departments of Health and Food Safety over the next few days on ascertaining quality of fruit in the wake of the Nipah virus scare.

Following an advisory from the Health Department to avoid consuming fruits, including mangoes, bitten by birds and animals, and also fruits fallen from trees, the Horticulture Department wants to educate farmers on the issue ahead of the Mango Mela that begins from June 1.

Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture Dinesh Kumar said mango growers were told about the scare during a recent meeting. Health specialists will now be brought to the workshop to educate farmers on the scare and how it is caused.